DUAL LANGUAGE + ENGLISH LANGUAGE LEARNERS
Student Benefits
Academcially
Due to increased confidence, students excel academically
Increases motivation to learn and be successful
Able to build on prior knowledge, regardless of language
develop problem-solving skills
Socially
Promotes positive attitudes in regards to language learning and acquisition
a sense of cultural stability and continuity
become aware of the value of cultural diversity and multiple
perspectives
Emotionally
Increased self-esteem
mental flexibility
Student-centred learning
Supports student identity
Dual Language Strategies
Guided Reading
Demonstrate and promote effective reading strategies
Focus on specific aspects of the
text
organization
visual materials
new vocabulary
room partners or crossgrade
tutors
Word Charts
Helps with the acquisition of academic vocabulary
Teach key words before lesson/explain as they arise
Explain connections among words
Hands-on/Experiential Activities
Use manipulatives and found objects (like money, household objects, etc)
Working with same-language partners (use L1, before English to discuss topic)
Using L1 to record ideas
Write first drafts, notes, journal entries, and outlines in L1
Invite students to produce dual-language assignments
Dual Language Texts in the Classroom
expands knowledge of the
L1, which helps the learning
of English
enhances self-esteem because they can communicate their knowledge
reading dual or multiliteracy materials can transfer the literacy skills and concepts developed in one language to another
provide predictability from one language to another
opportunity to compare and contrast the texts and develop metalinguistic ability
Helps with the idea of natural acquisition of language
Dual language texts provide opportunities for students to become literate in an organic and fluid way
Supporting Parent Understanding
Resources
What they should know
language skills and conceptual knowledge are generally transferable from
one language to another
L1s provide a foundation
for developing proficiency in additional languages
L1s preserve familial and cultural backgrounds
Include them in learning process
Invite them into your classroom to participate in or lead lessons about their culture/language
Encourage L1 (writing, reading, oral communication) at home